Location: outside of Mumbai, Maharashtra State Map
Area: 104 km2 (40 mi2)
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, often abbreviated as SGNP and formerly known as Borivali National Park, is a sprawling protected area nestled within the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, Maharashtra. Spanning approximately 87 square kilometers (with a total notified area of about 104 square kilometers including buffer zones), it stands as one of the largest national parks located within city limits anywhere in the world. Established in 1969 and renamed in 1996 after Sanjay Gandhi, the son of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the park serves as a vital green lung for Mumbai, attracting over 2 million visitors annually. It is managed by the Maharashtra Forest Department and features a diverse landscape of dense forests, lakes, hills, and ancient rock-cut caves, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding urban sprawl. The park's headquarters are located in Borivali, and it encompasses two major lakes—Tulsi Lake and Vihar Lake—which supply a significant portion of Mumbai's drinking water.
The park is situated in the northern suburbs of Mumbai, extending from Borivali in the west to Thane in the north, and bordering areas like Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Dahisar, Bhandup, and Mulund. Its southern boundary adjoins the Aarey Milk Colony and the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. Geographically, it forms part of the Western Ghats' extension, characterized by rugged terrain with elevations ranging from 30 meters to 480 meters above sea level. The landscape includes valleys, hills, and open expanses, interspersed with rivers and streams that feed into the lakes. This urban-proximate setting makes it unique, as it is encircled by dense human settlements on most sides, creating a natural buffer against city expansion while facing pressures from encroachment.
The area's historical significance dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human activity from the 4th century BCE. The most prominent historical feature is the Kanheri Caves, a complex of over 100 rock-cut Buddhist caves carved between the 1st century BCE and the 9th century CE. These caves, hewn from basaltic rock, served as monasteries, learning centers, and pilgrimage sites for Buddhist monks, reflecting the region's role in ancient trade routes connecting ports like Sopara and Kalyan. In modern times, the park was formally established in 1969 by consolidating existing forest reserves. Its expansion in 1996 incorporated additional forests from the Thane Forest Division, solidifying its status as a national park. Over the decades, it has evolved from a simple wildlife sanctuary into a multifaceted conservation and recreational hub, with ongoing efforts to preserve its heritage amid urban growth.
The park boasts an impressive biodiversity with over 1,000 recorded plant species, representing a mix of moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests typical of the Western Ghats. Vegetation types include teak-dominated woodlands, bamboo groves, and riparian zones along water bodies. Notable tree species include teak (Tectona grandis), ain (Terminalia elliptica), kadam (Neolamarckia cadamba), and various figs (Ficus spp.). Shrubs and herbs abound, with the karvi (Strobilanthes callosus) being a highlight—it blooms en masse every seven to eight years, creating spectacular purple carpets across the hillsides. Other flora includes medicinal plants like the Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) and climbing vines such as the flame of the forest (Butea monosperma). The park's flora supports a rich ecosystem, with seasonal changes bringing vibrant wildflowers during the monsoon and dry deciduous shedding in summer. Conservation focuses on protecting endemic species and restoring degraded areas affected by invasive plants or human activity.
SGNP is home to a thriving array of wildlife,
including around 40 mammal species, 251 bird species, 38 reptile
species, nine amphibian species, 150 butterfly species, and over 5,000
insect species. Among mammals, the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus
fusca) is the apex predator, with a population estimated at 54
individuals as of 2025, making it one of the densest leopard habitats
globally in an urban-adjacent area. Other mammals include spotted deer
(chital), sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar, bonnet macaques, hanuman
langurs, Indian civets, and porcupines. A Bengal tiger was sighted in
2003 via pugmarks and droppings, though no confirmed sightings have
occurred since, marking a rare event after nearly 80 years without
tigers in the region.
Birdlife is particularly diverse, with resident
species like jungle owlets, golden orioles, racket-tailed drongos,
minivets, magpie-robins, hornbills, bulbuls, sunbirds, peacocks, and
woodpeckers. Migratory birds such as paradise flycatchers add to the
avian spectacle, alongside waterbirds like kingfishers, mynas, swifts,
gulls, egrets, and herons around the lakes. Reptiles include mugger
crocodiles in Tulsi Lake, Indian pythons, cobras, Russell's vipers,
bamboo pit vipers, monitor lizards, and checkered keelbacks. Amphibians
feature various frogs and toads, while the insect world includes
colorful butterflies like the blue tiger and common crow. The park's
fauna thrives in a compact habitat, with ongoing monitoring to track
populations and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
The park offers a wide range of attractions blending
nature, history, and adventure. The Kanheri Caves are the centerpiece—a
2,400-year-old complex of more than 100 caves featuring intricate
carvings, stupas, and a massive 7-meter-tall Buddha statue at the
entrance to the largest cave. Visitors can explore these via guided
trails. Wildlife safaris, including a newly introduced leopard safari in
2025, allow sightings of leopards and other animals in enclosed
vehicles. Boating on Tulsi and Vihar Lakes provides serene views, while
trekking trails like those to the highest point (Gaumukh) or Shilonda
offer hikes through dense forests with panoramic vistas.
Other
highlights include the Butterfly Garden, showcasing over 150 species;
the Nature Interpretation Centre for educational exhibits on local
ecology; and cycling rentals for eco-friendly exploration. A mini toy
train, known as 'Van Rani,' resumed operations in July 2025 after a
four-year hiatus due to cyclone damage, delighting families with scenic
rides. The Gandhi Tekdi memorial, star-gazing sessions, and Jain Temple
add cultural and recreational variety. Picnicking spots, gardens, and
bird-watching areas round out the offerings, making it ideal for day
trips or weekend getaways.
Conservation in SGNP emphasizes habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and community engagement. The park participates in Project Tiger-inspired initiatives, though not formally designated as a tiger reserve, with proposals to create interlinked corridors to nearby forests for better animal movement. Efforts include anti-poaching patrols, camera trapping for monitoring leopards and other species, and reforestation drives—such as a tree-planting event in June 2025 on World Environment Day. The adoption program allows visitors to sponsor animals, funding care and awareness. Educational programs at the Nature Interpretation Centre, including monsoon walks (like one held in July 2025) and nature trails (scheduled for August 10, 2025), promote biodiversity awareness. Collaboration with local communities addresses encroachments, with court orders in January 2025 urging removal of illegal structures to preserve the core zone.
Despite its protected status, the park faces significant threats from urbanization, including habitat fragmentation, pollution, and human-wildlife conflicts. Leopard attacks on humans and livestock have been reported, particularly in fringe areas like Thane, with incidents in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 highlighting the issue—though mitigation measures like awareness campaigns have reduced frequency. Encroachments by slums and infrastructure projects pose ongoing risks, as noted in a 2025 High Court ruling criticizing delays in removals. Water pollution in lakes from urban runoff and invasive species also challenge biodiversity. Climate change impacts, such as altered flowering cycles (e.g., karvi blooming patterns), add to the pressures.
As of 2025, the park has seen several updates enhancing visitor experiences and conservation. The 'Van Rani' toy train restarted in July, boosting family tourism. A leopard safari was launched in July to promote safe wildlife viewing amid the stable population of 54 leopards. Infrastructure proposals include a ropeway connecting Aarey-JVLR metro to Film City, potentially extending to SGNP for better accessibility. Educational events, such as tree planting in June and nature walks in July and August, underscore ongoing public engagement. Legal actions continue to tackle encroachments, ensuring the park's long-term sustainability.